WARREN WILKINS, CHAIRMAN
GALA 2005 AWARD RECIPIENT FOR NORTH AMERICA
The GALA Award to be
presented to Wilkins at
30th Annual Graphics of the
Americas 2005 in Florida
TORONTO, CANADA, January 2005 - Warren Wilkins, Chairman of Webcom Limited, has been named the Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas (G.A.L.A.) North American Award Recipient for 2005. Wilkins is the first Canadian to receive such an honour since the GALA award's inaugural over 20 years ago.
Established in 1982, the GALA Award is one of the printing industry's most prestigious recognitions awarded to two outstanding industry professionals each year - one each from North and Latin America. GALA recipients are nominated by PAF (Printing Association of Florida) and Conlatingraf members and chosen for their leadership in areas of management, technology, business, and quality, as well as their contributions to the graphic arts industry, their community, and society in general. The GALA award symbolizes not only industry excellence but also the linking of the Americas and two major industry associations.
Commenting on Wilkins' GALA Award, Mike Streibig, president of PAF offered these words, "The printing industries in both Canada and the United States have greatly benefited from the influence of Warren Wilkins. His hard work and dedication to Webcom Limited, the Canadian Printing Industries Association, and PIA/GATF, have earned him this honor. As Chairman of PIA, Warren along with Ray Roper, President led the effort to establish the Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN), the major industry portal for graphic arts."
Wilkins will receive his award before hundreds of industry leaders and guests at the 22nd annual GALA Award Banquet and Reception, Friday, February 4th, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida, during Graphics of the Americas 2005. Graphics of the Americas is one of the two largest annual printing, converting, and design trade shows in the Americas, with over 500 exhibitors and more than 20,000 domestic and international attendees.
No stranger to accolades, Wilkins was selected as Printer of the Year by the publishers and editors of Graphic Monthly for 2003 in Canada. His outstanding contributions to the printing industry were equally significant in receiving this award. As an industry leader, Warren Wilkins has made it his business to ensure Webcom Limited was equipped with the latest technology, providing their customers a competitive edge.
In 1961, he formed Web Offset Publications Limited with Bob Chittick and purchased a Goss Suburban Web Offset Press, which was installed in a 3-car garage. The company became a pioneer in the web offset process in the mid 60's when they installed Photons, a computerized photo typesetting process in conjunction with an IBM 2230. They purchased the fifth Opti-Copy camera ever made, and installed the first Otabind process in North America. The company is completely committed to the digital prepress process and operates two CREO computer-to-plate systems.
In 1976, Mr. Wilkins formed Webcom Limited of which he is now Chairman. Webcom Limited currently operates 20 units of full size web offset, 3 Timson lines, sheetfed presses, complete digital prepress facilities, utilizing saddle stitch, conventional, perfect bindery, and unique lay-flat Otabind binding as well as a complete high-speed digital book manufacturing operation. Webcom also owns Coatings Canada Limited, a trade ultra violet and film laminating company. Webcom for the past 20 years has not only continually embraced new technology but they also were among the first Canadian web companies to institute a profit sharing program for the employees. For more information about Webcom Limited, call 1-800-665-9322 or visit www.webcomlink.com.
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